Lewes, UK. Monday 5th November 2012. Bonfire Night celebration in the town of Lewes, East Sussex, UK which form the largest and most famous Guy Fawkes Night festivities. Held on 5 November, the event not only marks the date of the uncovering of the Gunpowder Treason and Plot in 1605, but also commemorates the memory of the 17 Protestant martyrs from the town burnt at the stake for their faith during the Marian Persecutions of 1555–57. There are six bonfire societies putting on parades involving some 3,000 people.